Barton: I joined QPR for the money

London – Marseille's on-loan midfielder Joey Barton has admitted that his decision to join Queens Park Rangers was motivated purely by financial considerations.

Barton is currently on loan at the French club and was due to make his league debut against Lille later on Sunday, after serving a 12-game ban for violent conduct in QPR's game at Manchester City on the final day of last season.

The controversial 30-year-old fell out with the QPR management over the incident, having only joined the club from Newcastle United in August 2011, and appears to have no desire to return to Loftus Road.

“When I went to QPR it was a choice dictated by money,” Barton told British tabloid newspaper the Sunday People.

“I didn't like what I had done, and I swore I'd never do that again.

“It was the first time in my life that I had taken a decision for money. I did it because my partner was due to give birth, but I didnot feel good about it.” – Sapa-AFP